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The Ultimate Crunchy Holiday Gingerbread Granola Recipe

Close-up of crunchy clusters of homemade gingerbread granola mixed with dried cranberries on a light plate.
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Make your kitchen smell like the holidays with this crunchy, spiced gingerbread granola. This recipe uses molasses and classic spices for a festive breakfast or a simple food gift inspiration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup raw pecans or almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (added after baking)
  • 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional, added after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, flaxseed, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
  3. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the melted oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything until the oats and nuts are evenly coated. This coating is key for crunchy oat clusters.
  5. Spread the granola mixture in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Press down lightly with the spatula to encourage clusters to form.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and gently stir the granola. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
  7. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. Cooling undisturbed helps create the best crunch.
  8. Once completely cool, break the granola into clusters. Stir in the dried cranberries and crystallized ginger, if using.
  9. Store your homemade gingerbread granola in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a Vegan Gingerbread option, ensure your maple syrup is used and no honey is substituted. This recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • To make this a Gluten Free Granola, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
  • For Paleo Granola Variations, substitute the oats with a mix of raw nuts, seeds, and unsweetened coconut flakes, and use only maple syrup as the sweetener.
  • This recipe makes an excellent easy granola gift idea when packaged in clear jars with a festive ribbon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/gingerbread-granola-recipe-crunchy-clusters/